Somerset County Proclaims April as Autism Acceptance Month

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Board of Commissioners have proclaimed April 2023 to be Autism Acceptance Month. As part of the announcement, the Commissioners encourage all residents of the county to take advantage of public resources such as the County’s Project Lifesaver that can help people diagnosed with autism live to their fullest in Somerset County.

“One in every 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, each with a distinct set of strengths and challenges that impact not just the person, but their family, friends, coworkers, and communities,” said Commissioner Paul Drake, liaison to Human Services. “Somerset County is committed to providing resources that assist people with Autism as they live and work in our communities, and that build acceptance and understanding of the condition throughout the County.”

Autism is a developmental disability that begins before the age of three and lasts throughout a person’s life. Because people with autism can often have difficulties in social situations, including more than a quarter who are minimally- or non-verbal, autism spectrum disorder causes significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. 

Somerset County’s Project Lifesaver is a free and voluntary emergency-locating program for residents who suffer from types of dementia, autism and other disabilities that put them at risk of wandering. Individuals are provided with a free bracelet with a radio transmitter that sends a signal once every second throughout the day and can be read for up to a mile. When a caregiver calls to report a missing person in the Project Lifesaver program, the Sheriff’s K-9 Search and Rescue Unit mobilizes to find the person and provide assistance to bring them back home.

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Wild Plant Culture -- Sign up now for April 13 program

 

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Mercer Announces Summer Youth Jobs Program

TRENTON — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes has announced a summer youth employment program that will provide paid internships and work readiness training to teens and young adults in the County. Priority is given to those who are economically disadvantaged or have barriers to employment; however, the program is open to all.

Mercer County’s Summer Youth Jobs Connection, which is being funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and coordinated by the Mercer County One-Stop Career Center, will benefit more than 100 youth ages 16 to 24 with summer employment meant to encourage a successful transition to the workforce. “We welcome this opportunity to help young people in our communities acquire skills and knowledge they may need to compete in the job market,” Mr. Hughes said. “A paid internship provides valuable work experience, and employers in Mercer County can help build our future workforce by providing summer jobs and developing young talent at no cost to their company.”

Summer Youth Jobs Connection is an eight-week program that begins July 3 and concludes Sept. 1. Participation is open to Mercer County residents ages 16 to 24 who meet the criteria. Interns will be paid $15 an hour with an opportunity to earn $3,000 for the summer. The program also will provide interns with transportation assistance via bus passes, supportive mentors and additional assistance for those not returning to school. Target enrollment is a minimum of 115 youth.

Interns’ wages and work readiness training will be paid by Mercer County through the funding provided by the State. In addition to learning new skills and being introduced to new career options, interns will be taught time management, effective communication, business etiquette and more. Youth interested in the Summer Youth Jobs Connection program are asked to complete a pre-application at https://forms.gle/kBRm5nv1ftJBT5ec6between April 1 and May 5. Please note that if a substantially larger number of applications are received, a lottery may be used. Questions? Contact the One-Stop Career Center’s Youth Services Department at 609-989-6206 or ycc@mercercounty.org. Employers interested in the program are asked to complete a questionnaire at https://forms.gle/EgJYJdCxN3Bdjb2d6. Questions? Contact Kassia Bukosky at 609-989-6066 or cbukosky@mercercounty.org.

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Brian Hughes named 2022 Robert F. Casciola Distinguished American

 

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation has named Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes the 2022 Robert F. Casciola Distinguished American Award recipient. The award was presented to Mr. Hughes at the 61st Annual George Wah Awards Dinner, held March 12, 2023 at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, in support of the 2022 Scholar Leader Athlete Awards. Considered the Chapter’s highest award, the Casciola Distinguished American Award is named for the revered All-Ivy League tackle for Princeton University who spent 20 years in the college coaching ranks as an assistant coach at Princeton and Dartmouth College and then as head coach at the University of Connecticut and Princeton. Along with having a rewarding career in the banking industry, Bob Casciola also served for many years as color analyst for the Princeton Tigers football organization. On bestowing the award, the Chapter recognized the County Executive’s transformative leadership of Mercer County, N.J., and his ongoing commitment of opening up opportunity to people of all walks of life. Under Mr. Hughes, the Mercer County Park Commission has vastly expanded and diversified programs offered by the park system to get more people involved. Mercer has done that by introducing children to activities that might otherwise be out of reach, such as rowing, horseback riding, tennis and skating. The Hughes Administration also developed a STEM curriculum at its Nature Center to align with that being taught in area schools, and initiated Mercer at Play, a funding program to encourage new municipal recreation amenities, leading to dozens of new projects – from skate parks to basketball courts to accessible playgrounds – all across the county. “While I may not have done for the sport of football what Bob Casciola has, it has been my honor to serve the people of Mercer County and to dedicate myself to making a positive impact on society by uplifting all people, especially the underserved,” Mr. Hughes said. “To the scholar athletes, the things you do off the field will always be as important as what you do on the field. I encourage you to dream big, chase your dream and strive to be the great citizens this country needs.”

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Mercer to Purchase Fast Chargers for Electric Vehicles

TRENTON – Mercer County will continue adding to the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with the purchase of four Level 3 EV chargers to be installed at two County facilities, County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced.

A resolution authorizing a contract with Timothy P. Bryan Electric Company Inc. for the purchase and installation of the ChargePoint Express250 Level 3 EV chargers – two at the Mercer County Administration Building, 640 South Broad St., Trenton, and two at the Mercer County Improvement Authority, 80 Hamilton Ave., Trenton -- was approved by the Board of County Commissioners at its March 9 meeting. The contract is for an amount not to exceed $532,410.78. Level 3 chargers – which use direct current and are known as fast chargers -- can recharge a plug-in electric vehicle at a rate of 60 to 80 miles of drivable range per 20 minutes of charging time, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

“The installation of these fast chargers is the next step in our efforts to support electric vehicle infrastructure,” Mr. Hughes said, noting that Mercer last year installed dual-port Level 2 charging stations at 11 County facilities. “It also helps continue to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of gasoline alternatives as we further our commitment to increasing sustainable practices throughout the County.”

The NJDEP has awarded Mercer County $75,000 through the It Pay$ to Plug In Grant program and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has awarded Mercer $150,000 through the Clean Energy Electric Vehicle Tourism Grant Program to help offset costs associated with the purchase, installation and maintenance of the Level 3 EV chargers, Mr. Hughes said. The remaining costs will be paid with Sustainability Capital Funds.

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Somerset County: Ensuring Private Well Water Is Safe and Healthy During Groundwater Awareness Week

 

SOMERVILLE, NJ – In recognition of Groundwater Awareness Week, March 5-11, the Somerset County Department of Health reminds homeowners with private wells about the importance of regularly testing their drinking water.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing household wells annually for certain containments such as coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. These substances and characteristics of well water can be quantified through routine laboratory testing. 

Homeowners should immediately test if there are known problems with ground water or drinking water in the area and if land conditions have changed significantly due to flooding or new construction/industrial activity. Homeowners may consider testing a well more frequently if any members of the household are pregnant or nursing, or if there are infants and young children present. It is also prudent to test well water after any repairs or if there is a significant change in the odor, color, or taste of the water.

The Somerset County Department of Health urges residents to contact their local health department for information regarding testing guidance based on water quality trends that may be specific to their neighborhood. It is recommended that all well owners conduct a full range of tests at least once, even in areas with no known environmental concerns. This will help establish a record of water quality which may be helpful with resolving future problems relating to well system treatment, repairs, or other environmental issues.

Somerset County residents have several options for well testing. Residents can purchase test kits through the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA). These test kits assess a range of contaminants from total coliform, arsenic, lead, and copper to volatile organic compounds. The RHA will be hosting several community events this spring for New Jersey residents. For a listing of dates and locations, go to www.testmywell.org or call the Well Testing Office at 908-234-1852, ext. 401. Well test kits may also be obtained at the Flemington and Bedminster RHA offices at any time. 

Homeowners may also opt to hire a private lab for their well water testing. For a list of certified water-testing laboratories, visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/oqa/certlabs.htm. 

Wells have the ability to provide high-quality drinking water, and about half the U.S. population receives their drinking water from private wells. However, with well ownership comes the responsibility of ongoing maintenance. Some well maintenance tips include: checking the visible parts of well systems for cracks or leaks, maintaining septic systems, and taking care to avoid mixing or using pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals near a wellhead. These actions can all contribute to the protection of residential well water supplies.

Homeowners should also avoid flushing chemicals down drains, especially if the home also uses a private septic system. Inspection checklists and information on safely maintaining a private well are available at www.wellowner.org. 

For more information on recommended well testing, residents should contact the local health department. A directory of local health departments and additional safe-drinking water information can be found on the Somerset County Department of Health website at soconj.gov/health or, contact Somerset County Environmental Health Coordinator Erin Balas at (908) 231-7155.

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Somerville St. Patrick's Day Parade

Back for its 30th year!

Line up and down Main Street Somerville for the 30th Annual Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade! Help us honor our Grand Marshal Mr. Ed Murphy! There will be bagpipe bands, step dancers, marching bands, civic groups, youth groups, emergency services apparatus, and so much more! Don’t forget to stop at one of the many restaurants and bars along Main Street before or after the parade!

And remember…. Wear green!

Groups interested in marching can register at https://www.somervillesaintpatricksparade.com

 

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